Iron Fist: Finn Jones Pushes Back Against White-Washing Criticisms

Diversity has been a rather tenuous subject in Hollywood recently, including at Marvel Studios, who took some flack for casting Tilda Swinton as the Ancient One in last year's Doctor Strange.

A similar backlash has occurred with Marvel's Iron Fist, which premieres on Netflix later this month. Star Finn Jones, who plays Danny Rand aka Iron Fist on the show, spoke to Nerdist about the topic, and why it's frustrating for people to judge a product they haven't yet seen.

“I understand where this frustration comes from. I understand the need for more diversity in television and films, especially for Asian actors. I understand that frustration. I agree with it, and I stand in solidarity with that voice. Now what frustrated me about this particular case is that people haven’t seen the show. They don’t know what we’re doing it with it. And actually, what we’re doing with it is very interesting and we’re tackling issues of what people are upset about. Danny is not a white savior. Danny can’t even save himself, let alone an entire race of people.”

While the Ancient One casting was met with some detractors, Swinton did a magnificent job in the role. Hopefully, Iron Fist will follow the same pattern.

Fifteen years after being presumed dead in a plane crash, Danny Rand (Finn Jones) mysteriously returns to New York City determined to reclaim his birthright and family company. However, when a long-destined enemy rises in New York, this living weapon is forced to choose between his family’s legacy and his duties as the Iron Fist.

Marvel’s Iron Fist was developed by Scott Buck. The Netflix series stars Finn Jones as Danny Rand, a martial arts expert with the ability to call upon the power of the Iron Fist. The cast also includes Jessica Henwick, David Wenham, Jessica Stroup, Tom Pelphrey, and Rosario Dawson.